History in the Making

History

The Larkin Soap Company was one of the most innovative of its time. John D. Larkin started the company, producing just two products. But through its marketing innovations, led by Elbert Hubbard, Larkin Soap Company expanded its market and product lines to food and various household items to make it a fixture in the growing city of Buffalo. Taking Larkin's innovative lead, the Larkin Center of Commerce offers a multitude of types of spaces and various leaders to guide you through the leasing experience.

The Larkin Gallery

The Larkin Gallery is now open for your viewing pleasure. Located in and funded by the Larkin Center of Commerce at 701 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The exciting new gallery focuses on the history of the Larkin Soap Co., founded in 1874.

The Gallery received items from several noted collectors including Mary Larkin, the great granddaughter of John D. Larkin Sr., art professor Jerome Mead, Larkin history enthusiast Sharon Osgood and Jerome Puma. The opening of the Larkin Gallery also created an opportunity for Peg Meisenbach to fulfill the wishes of her late mother, Raeanne Roy, a longtime collector of Larkin related objects. Peg provided her mother’s entire collection as it was Raeanne’s wish that it be ‘donated to a Larkin museum.’

Turning The Corner To a Brighter Future

The Larkin Center of Commerce is emblematic of the qualities that have made Buffalo and the region what it is today. They are resilient and hard working people, respectful of the past, while also looking to make for a better tomorrow.

Leading the Way

We are ready to grow the next crop of innovators. In our incubators, we encourage creative, imaginative and diverse tenants, no matter what size they are, no matter what stage of growth. The best way to celebrate Buffalo’s history is to encourage the qualities that birthed it and that’s what we’re doing here at the Larkin Center of Commerce.